Electrolytic can treating machine



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- ELECTROLYTIC CAN TRE TTNG MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Aug. 5, 1942 the latter serving as electrodes.

Patented Aug. 31, 1948 ELECTROLYTIC CAN TREATING MACHINE Paul E. Pearson and AlfredTreff, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application August 5, 1942, Serial No. 453,704 '2 Claims.- (oil 204-200) This invention relates to apparatus for treating receptacles such as cans by electrolysis and more particularly to apparatus especially adapted for the treating of the interior surfaces of cans or similar receptacles. An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus for performing such treatments.

It is known that in the packaging of certain foodstuffs in metallic receptacles, e. g. cans, unsightly and objectionable staining of interior surfaces of the receptacles results during the conventional processing of the filled and sealed receptacles, this objectionable condition being termed sulphur-staining. It has been discovered that the sulphur-staining may be prevented by immersing the receptacles, prior to use, in an electrolytic bath comprising a solution of a metallic salt and alkali in water, and passing an electric current through the bath and the receptacles with In our copending application Serial'No. 453,703, filed August 5, 1942, there is disclosed and claimed a machine adapted for electrolytic treatment of the end closures of metallic receptacles, particularly the end closure surface portions to be presented internally. By the present invention we have provided a machine more especially adapted for performing the electrolytic treatment of the interior surfaces of cans or other receptacles which may include can bodies and articles having one end closed, the cans or receptacles however being open at one end during the treatment. The specific composition of the electrolyte forms no part of the present invention, and although machines embodying present invention are primarily intended for performing treatments toeliminate sulphur staining, they may also be adapted for other uses, such as electroplating or. surface cleaning.

A machine constructed in accordance with the invention preferably includes a rotatable treating turret equipped at circumferentially spaced stations with means for supporting cans to be treated. Rotatable with the turret and associated with the can supports at the respective stations are means for filling the cans with electrolyte, moving electrodes relatively into the cans and establishing and maintaining for a predetermined period an electric circuit through the electrode, the electrolyte and the can at each station, and then withdrawing the electrodes relatively from the associated cans.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated including means for completely filling the cans with electrolyte so as to apply and maintain electrolyte in contact with the entire inside surface of the can, without however permitting electrolyte to overflow onto the outside surface of the can.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated including means for delivering to the cans measured charges of greater volume than the individual can capacities, and means for retaining the surplus electrolyte above the filled cans to thus assure complete filling of the cans.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated including means for moving electrodes into the electrolyte in the cans and then relatively withdrawing the electrodes in timed relation to the filling of the cans and the passing of an electric current through the cans and the electrolyte therein.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated including means for inverting the cans after their treatment to dump the electrolyte therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the'character stated for rejecting any can which has not been given a proper electrolysis treatment due either to failure to fill the can completely with electrolyte or failure of the electrolysis circuit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for measuring charges of treating fiuid including an insert which may be removed and replaced by an insert of different displacement for varying the net or resultant capacity of the measuring container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated including novel and improved means for washing the cans after the electrolysis treatment to remove electrolyte droplets which may adhere after inverting of the cans to dump the electrolyte;

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character stated including means automatically operative during the electrolysis treatment for reversing the polarity of the electrolysis current or circuit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character referred to including a compact arrangement of means for moving containers in a circuitous path at one level for being subjected to electrolysis treatment, and means for moving treated containersin a similarly circuitous path at a lower level below the treating path for being washed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character referred to including .5 driving connections and timing devices for effecting operation of the parts to treat successively a steady stream of cans fed to and then discharged from the machine.

With these and other objects in view, which will appear more fully, the invention will be clearly understood from a reading of the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine embodying the invention, some parts being broken away and others being omitted in order to enable the illustrated parts to .bese'en more clearly.

Figure 2 is a vertical secti'ontaken substantially through the center of the machine-land at right angles to Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view partly in top plan and partly in horizontal section, showing parts for feeding cans to stations on the revolving treating turret and for removing treated .cans from the turret.

Figure 4 is a view partly in top plan and partly in horizontal section of machine parts at a level below the level of the parts shown in Figure 3, the .lower level parts including washing equipment and means for discharging treated and washed cans from the machine.

Figure 5 is a view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section showing can inverting and can rejecting mechanism on an enlarged scale.

Figure 6 is a. view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section .showing the can conveying and inverting chain and driving mechanism therefor on an enlarged scale,

Figure 7 is a view partly in top plan and partly in section showing details of a reduction g-ear unit and overload cutoff switch operating mechanism.

Figure 8 is a detail elevational view of a pipe and nozzle for supplying electrolyte.

Figure 9 is a detail sectional elevation of the collector ring, brush equipment and detector control mechanism, drawn on an enlarged scale.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary vertical section drawn on an enlarged scale and showing equipment at one treating station for moving a can into position to be treated, filling it with electrolyte, and lowering an electrode into the can.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic comparative development oi a pair of collector rings, an electrode lowering and raising cam, and a can support raising and lowering cam shown associated to illustrate the timing of movement of the pants.

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic showing of an electrolyte supplying and recirculating arrangement; and

Figure 13 is an electric wiring diagram.

In its general nature the apparatus shown as embodying the invention in a preferred form includes a frame A comprising a base -I and a plurality of standards 2 extending upwardly from the base and supporting a, cover 3. A pedestal or thrust bearing 4 carried by the base I supports the lower end of a main or centrally disposed shaft 5 journaled also in bearingsfi and Go. (See Figure 2.)

The shaft 5 carries for rotation therewith a traveling carrier or turret B adapted to move cans shown at X in a predetermined circular path during their treatment by electrolysis, and a turret C disposed at a level below the level oi) the turret B and also arranged to move cans over a circular path for being rinsed or washed to remove electrolyte which may have adhered 4 to the cans after their removal 'from the tourret B.

Shortly after each can begins its movement on the turret B it is filled with a charge of electrolyte supplied from a measuring pocket or container I carried by a spider D keyed to the shaft 5 at a level above that of the turret B. A retractible electrode 8 is then lowered into the electrolyte in the can and an electric circuit is caused to be completed through the electrode :8, the electrolyte in the can and the can. The spider D carries a plurality of separate Units each including a measuring pocket 7, an electrode 8 and mechanism for delivering the electrolyte the pocket '1 into the can, for lowering the electrode -8 into the can and then removing it following the electrolysis treatment.

The equipment for treating the cans X by electrolysis is carried on the turret B and spider D, there being a plurality of clrcumferontially spaced treating stations which move around the shaft 5. Each station includes means for supporting the cans on the turret B, means including a measuring pocket 1 and electrode 8 mounted on the spider D, and other parts to be described hereinafter. The treatment is carried on at the several stations while the cans are being moved by rotation of the turret B, and after the treat ment of each can has been completed the asso ciated electrode 8 is raised and the can is removed from the turret B and deposited with its charge of electrolyte upon an end-less conveyor chain 9. The chain 9 moves the cans past a rejection wheel M) which is operated automatically to displace from the chain 9 any can which has not contained a full charge of electrolyte while being treated or any can during the treatment of which the supply of current may have failed.

The chain 9 moves along a substantially horizontally upper path and then downward-1y and along a lower path :so that cans held on the chain will be inverted in passing from the upper to the lower chain bath, thereby dumping the electrolyte into a suitably positioned receptacle from which the electrolyte is recirculated to the supply for the measuring pockets I. See Figure l. The empty cans are then moved in succession to the washing or rinsing turret C which carries them in inverted position along a circular trackway comprising spaced tracks -HH. While being moved over the trackway the cans are subjected to washing or rinsing water sprayed from upper spray pipes t2 and lower spray nozzles l3. After having completed their travel through the rinsing apparatus, the cans are removed from the rinsing turret C and are delivered to a chain M which discharges them from the apparatus. See Figure 4... It will be understood that a description of the equipment at any one station is intended to apply as a description of all of the other stations. v

Considering the illustrative embodiment in greater detail, power for operating all the parts may be supplied by an electric motor 15 mounted on the base I and being connected by a belt IE to a pulley 11 fast on a shaft l8 journaled as at I'9--l9 in the casing 23 of a reduction gear unit 2| fixed as a whole. with respect to the frame A. See Figures 1, 2, .4 and 7. The unit 21 includes a worm '22 shown in Figure 7 as being fast on the shaft I8 and meshing with a worm wheel 23 keyed to a vertical shaft 24 supported by a pedestal bearing 25 at the bottom of the casing 29 and jour-nalecl in the top of the casing 23 as at 2'6. (See Figure 2.) A spur gear 2] keyed to the shaft 24 exteri-orly of the casing 26 is in mesh with a spur gear 28 keyed to a vertical shaft :29 having its lower end supported and journaled by a pedestal bearing3ll carried by the base I For permitting timing adjustments to be made the gear 21 is formed to include a hub 21a and a toothed ring portion 21b adjustably secured to the hub by screws 210. Similarly the gear 28 includes a hub 26a, and a toothed ring portion 23b secured thereto by screws 280. See Figure 2.

Fixed to the upper end of the shaft 29 is the lower half of an adjustable coupling 32, the upper half of which is keyed to a shaft extension 29a from a sprocket 36 adjacent one side of the ma-" chine toward the center of the'machine and over a sprocket 37. See Figures 1, 2, and 3. A tapered timing-screw 38 of Well known construction extends alongside the upper stretch of the chain and is mounted for rotation by pintle bearings 3939. Fixed guides 46 and 4| are provided adjacent the sprocket 36 for assuring that cans placed on the machine will be positioned over the chain 35. Cans moved by the chain 35 toward the right as viewed in Figure 3 are guided into contact with the timing screw 38 by a yieldable guide 42 pivoted as at 43 on the frame A.

A feed turret 44 formed with can-receiving pockets 44a is splined to'the top of the shaft extension 29a and is so positioned as to receive cans from the timing screw 38 and deliver them to the treating turret B, a fixed'arcuate guide 45 maintaining cans in the pockets 44a until the cans are delivered to the treatingturret B.

The mechanism for driving the chain 35 and screw 33 in timed relation to the driving of the feed turret 44 (see Figures 1 and 2) includes a stub axle 46 mounted in afframe bracket 41, a bevel gear 48 rotatable on the shaft 46 and meshing with a bevel gear 4 9 keyed to the shaft extension 29a, and a sprocket 50 secured to the bevel gear 48 and having driving engagement with the block chain 35. The chain 35 extends downwardly from the sprocket 31 around and in engagement with the sprocket 50 and thence in engagement with an idler sprocket 5| which is journaled on an arm 52 pivoted on the frame as at 53 and being held in adjusted position as at 54, the arrangement being such that by adjusting the position of the arm 52 about the pivot 53, the desired tightness of the chains 35 can be obtained. After passing over the idler sprocket 51 the chain 35 extends to and drivingly engages a sprocket 55 fast with which is a gear 56 meshing with a gear 51 arranged to drive the timing screw 38 through a bevel gear couple 58. See Figure 1.

The treating turret B is provided with a set of circumferentially spaced tables 59 (see Figures 2 and 10) secured to the turret by screws 60, there being a table 59 at each treating station. Associated with the table 59- at each station is mechanism for carrying a can, raising it preparatory to the electrolysis treatment, and then lowering it. Each table 59 is formed with a central bore which receives and guides for vertical movements a stem 6| having secured to its upper end a. bronZecan'suppOrting or carrying pad element portion 68a, a raising portion 681), a high portion 680, and a lowering portion 68d. The cam may conveniently be mounted on abar 69 fixed with respect to the frame A. Mounted on top of each pad '62 is a-semi-circular block 16 formed with an undercut groove 1| adapted to receive the seam joining a, can body and can end so as to hold the can on the pad 62.

' During the rotation of the treating turret B and just prior to introducing electrolyte into each can,

the associated pad 62 is raised so as to bring the upper end of the can into engagement with a sealing devicecarried by the spider D, raising of the pad and supported can taking place when the enlarged bore 18 formed in the overflow cup 12.

The head '11 is engageable with the upper and lower ends-of the enlarged bore 18 for fixing respectively the lower and upper limits of movement of. the overflow cup 12. A spring 19 interposed between the overflow cup 72 and a collar fixed to the rod 13 urges the overflow cup 12 toward the lower limit of its travel. -'The rod" is fixed to the overflow cup 12 and extends up-- wardly through and for relative sliding movements in a delivery pipe section 8! of the associated measuring cup assembly 15. A normally closed disk valve 82 secured to the upper end of the rod 14 iscooperable with a valve seat 82a for controlling communication between the measuring pocket 1 and the overflow cup 12. A spring 83 interposed between the bottom of the delivery pipe section 8| and a collar 84 fast on the rod 14 urges the rod 14 and the overflow cup 12 to their lower positions.

. In operation when a pad 62 is raised by cooperation ofthe associated cam roller 61 with the raising portion 68b of the cam 68, the open upper end of the can X supported on the pad will be moved into engagement with a rubber sealing part 85' secured to the bottom of the associated overflow cup 12. The cup will then be raised against the urge of the spring 19 and 83, thereby liftin the valve disk 82 from its seat 82a, as shown in Figure 10, and permitting electrolyte contained in the associated measuring pocket I to flow downwardly through the delivery pipe section 8| into the overflow cup 12' and thence into the can. In order to assure that the can will be completely filled with electrolyte, the charge of electrolyte in each pocket I is measured to be of such quantity that the electrolyte will not only fill the can but will extend upwardly into the overflow cup 12 without, however, overflowing onto the'outside surface of the can. Thus, the capacity of each: measuring. container? is equal to the capac-- ity of the: can being treated plus at-least a part of the: capacity of the overflow cup- I2.

wilt be describedhereinaften'means are provided: for: rejecting any can which. has not been filled to overflow to a predetermined extent prior to the" electrolysis treatment.

Mechanism carried by the spider D is provided at each station for lowering an electrode into the canbeing. treated and for establishing: an electric circuit through the electrode, the" electrolyte, and the can. At each station an electrode carrier 8t is. mounted above the respective can carrying pad 62 for vertical. slidingv movements in guides 81: and 88 supported on the spider D. Each electrode carrier 86 is equipped with a roller 99 whichis cooperable with a cam 90 carried on the frame A and extending concentrically around the main shaft 5. As shown developed in Figure 11 the cam 90-includes a high portion 90a,. a lowering portion 901); a low portion 900, and a raising portion 90d,

the contour of the cam 90 being substantially the reverse of the contour of the cam 68. In order to prevent rotation of the electrode carriers 86 about their own axes; each is provided with a roller 9| guided for straight vertical movements in a groove 92 in the spider. 13. Preferably the electrodes 8 are detachably connected to the electrode carriers 86" so as to permit replacement of electrodes when necessary.

In operation cans, fed to the treating turret B bythe block chain 35, the timing screw 38 and the feed turret 44 are placed successively on the treating turret pads 62 as the treating turret B revolves: with the main shaft 5. Soon after each can leaves the feeding. turret 44 the associated roller 61- moves upwardly on the raising portion 68bof the cam- 68,. causing the open end of the: can to come into sealing contact with the rubber cam groove so as to project the electrode: 8 Electrical connections to be deinto the can. scribed later then cause the current to. flow through the electrolyte to effect the desired. e1ec-- trolysis treatment for approximately three seconds during which the cam rollers 61 and 89 are moving over the cam portions 680 and: 990 respectively. When the treatment has been completed, the cam roller 6-'I= will move down the lowering portion 68d of the cam 68- to lower the can awayf=rom the overflow cup and at about the same time thecam roller 89- will move up the raising portion.

90d of the caingroove 90 soas to elevate the electrode carrier 86 and move the electrode 8 completely out of the cam.

After the treatment of the cans: has been com-- pleted, they are removed fromv the treating turfat and fed past the rejecting wheel I0 and if not. rejected thereby are delivered to therinsing or washing turret C. In the form shown, the cans are deflected from the treating turret B by an arcuate guide 93 secured to the frameA and positioned to direct the cans into the pockets 94a of a transfer turret 94 which feeds the cans onto the chain: 9 previously referred. to. The chain. 9

trained around sprocket whee-1s'95, 90,. 91 and 98' journaled on the frame A to rotate about. horizontal axes (see Figure 1), includeea plurality of articulated plate sections 99 secured to each of receive the can end seam. The top horizontal stretch of the chain 9 between the sprockets 95 and 99 moves to the right as viewed in Figures 1 and 3 so as to feed the cans past the rejection wheel I0 which is mounted on a shaft I02 supported in a bearing bracket I03 carried by the main frame A. See Figure 1.

If any can has not been given the proper treatment during its movement around with the treating turret B, mechanism to be described later will turn the shaft I02 and the rejection wheel I0 when that particular can reaches the rejection wheel, so as to displace the can from the chain plate 99 and move the can into a chute I04. Cans not so rejected will continue to move with the chain 9, being held against displacement from the plates 99 by the blocks I00 and a side guide I05 (see Figures 1 and 5). As the cans pass over and around the sprocket 96,. the electrolyte will be dumped from the cans into a catch basin I00 (see Figure 5) from which the electrolyte is re-circulated for further use as will be described later. After passing around the sprocket 99, the cans will be carried in inverted position by the blocks I00 past the sprocket 91 and thence over a frame carried shelf 106a on top of which is mounted an arcuate guide I01. The guide I0'I displaces the cans from the blocks I00 on the chain plates 99 so as to permit the cans to drop to the shelf I06a and to be received in pockets Nita of a transfer turret I08. See Figure 4. The turret I09 then feeds the cans over the shelf I09a and to a guide I09 which directs the cans into pockets IIOa of another transfer turret H0. The turret IIO feeds the cans beyond the guide I09, oif the shelf I061: and into pockets II I on the rinsing turret C, rotation of which carries the cans in inverted position over the spaced tracks III I. While being moved around on the tracks IIII by the treating turret C, the cans are subjected to sprays of rinsing liquid from the upper pipes I2 and lower spray nozzles I3. the cans of all electrolyte which may have adhered to the cans after their inversion while passing around the sprocket 96.

Referring more particularly to the mounting and driving of the transfer turret 94, the chain 9 and the transfer turrets I08 and H0, the plate sections 99 of the chain 9 are provided with inner rollers II2 (see Figures 5 and 6) which are engageable with the toothed peripheries of the sprockets 95, 96, 91 and 98. The rollers II2 are adapted to ride over a trackway IIS carried by the frame A and extending under the upper stretch of the chain between the sprockets 95 and so as to prevent sagging of the chain. The chain plate sections 99 also are provided with outer rollers H4 adapted to roll upon a frame carried trackway II5 underlying the lower stretch of the chain between the sprockets 96 and 91. See Figures 1 and 5. Rollers II6 mounted on the outer ends of the chain plate sections 99 cooperate with a frame carried groove track I I! to hold the chain plates against tipping under the Weight of the cans. Guard plates 99a secured to the plates 09 prevent electrolyte from running onto the rollers II :2,, H4 and H6,

The transfer turret 94' is secured? to the upper end of a shaft I I8 which is journaled at its lower end in a pedestal bearing H9 and at its. upper This effectively cleansesend in a bearing I (see Figure 6). The shaft H8 is provided adjacent its lower end with a spur gear I2I comprising a hub I2Ia keyed to the shaft H8 and a toothed ring section I2Ib .adjustably secured to the hub by screws I2Ic. The ring section I2Ib meshes with the spur gear 34 carried by the main shaft 5, and thus the shaft I I8 and transfer turret 94 are driven in timed relation to movement of the cans by the shaft 5 and treating turret B.

For driving the chain 9, the sprocket 96 has fast therewith another sprocket I22 over which is trained a chain I23 which passes around a drive sprocket I24 and in engagement with a ,chain tightener idler sprocket I25 adjustably mounted on the frame A. The drive sprocket I24 is secured to a shaft I26 journ'aled on a frame mounted bracket I21, the shaft I26 being provided with a bevel gear I28 which meshes with a bevel gear I29 keyed to the shaftl I8; The transfer turret I08 is secured to the top end of the shaft 24 which is driven by the reduction gear unit 2I as previously described. See Figures 2 and 4. The companion transfer turret H0 is secured by a bolt I30 and dowel I3I to a collar I32 keyed on the shaft 29.

After passing through the washing equipment the cans are moved off the tracks II-II' and onto a shelf I33 (see Figures 1 and' l) supported on the frame A. An arcuate guide I34 which receives the cans from the pockets III of the washing turret C directs the cans into the pockets I35a of a transfer turret I35 fixed to a shaft I351) fast with whichis a gear I350 meshing with an idler gear I35d which in turn meshes with a gear I35e on the shaft H8 (see Figures 1, 3, 4 and 6). The turret I35 moves the cans onto the discharging chain I4 which is trained over sprockets I36 and I31 and a tightener sprocket I38 mounted on a frame'standard I39 supported by the frame A. Stationary guides I40 adjustably secured .to the standard I39 as at I4I prevent the cans from being accidentally displaced from the discharging chain I4. For driving the chain I4 the sprocket I31 is fast on a shaft I42 journaled on the frame standard I39, the shaft I42 having fast therewith a sprocket I43 over which is trained a chain I44 which passes around a sprocket I45 fast on the shaft I45 which carries the sprocket 96 previously referred to (see Figures 1, 3 and 5). A tightener sprocket I46 is adapted to adjustably tension the chain I44.

When the'cans have passed with the chain" I4 to the discharge end thereof at or over. the sprocket I31, they have completed their travel through the machine and may then be taken to a steam chamber and then to a drier (not shown).

Electrolyte is supplied to the measuring pockets 1 as they pass from the point at which cans are removed from the treating turret B to the point at which other untreated cans are fed to the treating turret. Inthe form shown,-an electrolyte supply pipe I'41 discharges through a fanshaped nozzle I48 adjacent the top portion of the apparatus, the electrolyte falling from the nozzle I48 into the pockets 1 (see Figures 1 and 8). A shrouding rin I49 (see Figures 2 and 10) is carried by the spider D outwardly beyond the pockets 1 and extends above the tops of the pockets for preventing electrolyte from splashing onto the electrode carriers 86 and associated electric and detector mechanism to be described later. Preferably the pockets 1 are fitted with removable displacement liner inserts I50 which areadapted to be removed and replaced by liners of greater or lesser displacement so as to decrease or increase the net resultant capacity of the measuring pockets to thereby provide for regulation of the size of electrolyte charge in accordance with the size of cans being treated. The electrolyte is delivered from thenozzle I48 at such a rate that the pockets 1 will be filled to overflowing, the overflow electrolyte descending into a catch basin I5I formed as part of the spider D and thence through a down pipe I52 which discharges into a catch basin I53 formed as part of the frame A. The electrolyte is then discharged from the catch basin I53 through a drain pipe I54, .See Figures 2 and 5. In order that the cam 68 and rollers 61 may not be splattered with electrolyte, the turret B is formed with depending splash guards I55 which overlap upstanding splash guards I56 mounted on the :cam supporting part 69. See Figure 10. Electrolyte contained in rejected cans moved off the chain 99 by the rejection wheel I0 will be drained from the chute I04 through a pipe I54a. See Figure 5.

The electrolyte discharged from the treating apparatus through the pipes I54 and I54a is recirculated and new electrolyte is added to compensate for the small amount of the electrolyte that is consumed during the treatment or that adheres to cans and is carried into the washing zone. Figure 12 shows-diagrammatically a preferred arrangement of electrolyte circulating and make-up system. The main supply of electrolyte is maintained at a temperature of 68 F. in a :cooler and storage tank I51 which discharges through a pipe I58 to a pump I59, which in turn delivers electrolyte into the feed pipe I41 hereinbefore referred to, a manually operable cut-off valve I60 preferably being interposed in the pipe I41. A valve I6I interposed in the pipe I 41 adjacent the nozzle I48 may be controlled manually or by a solenoid I6I mounted on the frame A. See Figure 1. Fluid drained off through the pipes I54 and I54a is led to a pipe I62 which extends from the bottom of the catch basin I06 to a pipe I63 vented at I64 and thence to a sump I65. Electrolyte flows from the sump through the pipe I66 and a check valve I61 to a pump I68 which delivers electrolyte through a pipe I69 and valve I10 back to the-cooler and storage tank I51, thus completing the circuit.- For making up or supplying electrolyte to take the place of that consumed in the treating process or carried into the washing zone by adhering to the cans, a prepared supply of electrolyte is maintained in a tank I1I arranged to deliver electrolyte through a pipe I12 to a settling tank I13. Preferably this delivery is effected by maintaining fluid'in the mixing tank I1I under sufiicientpressure to lift the electrolyte through the pipe I12, Electrolyte can flow by gravity from the settling tank through a pipe I14 controlled by a valve I15 to the cooler and storage tank I51. The tank I51 may be vented by a pipe I16 which opens into the settling tank.

Water for rinsing or washing adhering electrolyte from the cans in the washing zone is delivered to the spray pipes I2 and I3 through a supply pipe I11 controlled by a master valve I18 (see Figures 2 and 4). A branch pipe 18 controlled by a valve I leads from the pipe I11 to the upper spray pipes I2. Branch pipes l8! and 32 equipped respectively with valves I83 and I84 deliver water to the lower spray nozzles I3. Water impinge upon and thoroughly cleanse the outside and inside surfaces of the cans while they are being moved around by the rinsing turret C. The washing water falling from the cans will be col-- lected on the base of the frame A from which it is drained through a pipe I85 which may lead to a sewer.

Referring now to Figures 9, 11 and 13 which show diagrammatically the means for supplying current to effect electrolysis of the cans and for detecting and rejecting any cans which may be imperfectly treated, a motor I95 supplied with power from a three wire line I8? is arranged to drive a direct current generator I88. Current is delivered by the generator I88 through conductors 39 and H39 and a main cut-off switch l9! to conductors 92 and I93 which are connected respectively to live sectors of an outside fixed collector ring assembly generally designated I94 and an inside fixed collector ring assembly 595, both ring assemblies being mounted upon but electrically insulated from the frame A. Th collector ring assembly REM comprises sectors I9 la, I942), I940, and I940! and the collector ring assembly I95 incl'udes similar sectors l95a, I951), I 950, and I95 The sectors I940, IBM, i950 and I95d are dead, that is, are not connected to the current supply lines I92 and I93. The supply conductor 92 is directly connected to the ring sector !94a of the outside collector ring assembly which in turn is connected through a conductor E95 to the sector I95b of the insid ring assembly. Similarly the supply conductor I93 is connected to the sector I951; of the inside ring assembly which in turn is connected through a conductor l9? to the sector 942) of the outside ring assembly. The arrangement is such that the sectors IBM and 5951) are of negative polarity and the sectors I9lia and 19% are of positive polarity.

For establishing a circuit through the electrodes, the electrolyte and the cans. each electrode carrier 86 and associated can carrying pad 62 is connected to brushes I98 and I99 (see Figures 3, and 13) adapted respectively to travel over the collector ring assemblies I94 and I95. In the embodiment shown, th electrolysis circuit includes the brush I99 contacting the inside ring assembly, a conductor 299 leading from the brush I99 to the electrode 8, the electrolyte in the can, the can itself, the can supporting pad 92, a conductor 2IlI, a fuse 292 interposed in the conductor ZBI, a relay coil 293, a conductor 2M, and a conductor 295 which leads to the brush I98 in contact with the outside ring assembly I539. The equipment carried by the spider D at each station includes brushes I99 and I99, conductors 299, 29L and 2&5, a fuse 202, and a relay 0011293.

In operation each can supporting pad 62 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R. (see Figure l3) and after the associated can has been filled with electrolyte and the associated electrode 8 has been lowered, the brushes I98 and I99 will move respectively into contact with the ring sectors I9 ib and I95b, establishing an electric circuit through the can and electrolyte with the can serving as the anode and with the electrode 8 serving as the cathode. The circuit will be thus maintained while the brushes I98 and I 99 are traveling over the relatively short sectors i952) and I952} which may be for a period of about one half second. When the brushes pass into contact with the longer ring sectors I9la and I95ci the circuit will be reversed so as to make the can act as the cathode and the electrode 8 act as the anode. The circuit as thus reversed will be maintained operative until the brushes I98 and I99 have completed their travel over the relatively long ring sectors I 94d and I95d requiring approximately two and one half seconds. The brushes will then move onto the dead ring sectors i990 and I 950 and the circuit will be broken.

Thus the electrolysis treatment is carried on for approximately three. seconds, the polarity being changed after about the first one half second of the treatment.

If the electrolysis treatment given any'particular can is not carried out properly, it is desirable that the can be rejected rather than to be delivered with other cans which have been treated properly. One possible cause for failure of the electrolysis treatment would 'be the insufiicient or incomplete filling of the can with electrolyte. In accordance with the invention, detecting equipment is provided for causing the rejection wheel I9 to remove from the chain 9 any can which was not completel filled with electrolyte when the electrolysis treatment was performed. In the form shown, the overflow cup I2 at each station is equipped with a contact 295 adapted to project into electrolyte extending upwardly from a properly filled can into the overflow cup. A conductor 20'! leading from the contact 296 is connected to a fuse 298 in turn connected through a conductor 299 to a relay coil 2Ifl which is connected through a conductor 2 to the conductor 295 which leads to the brush I98 contacting the outside ring assembly I9 la. The electrode 8 is connected through the conductor 290 to the brush I99 contacting the inside ring I95. If there is no electrolyte at the level of the contactor 296, the control circuit will be broken between the contact 206 and the electrode 8 so that the relay coil 2H) will be deenergized, thus closing the normally open contactor 2I2. When the contactor M2 is closed, a circuit is completed through the winding 2I3 of a solenoid 2M, the circuit beginning at the inside ring I95, thence to the brush I99, the conductor 290, a conductor 2I5, the contactor 2I2, a conductor 2 H, the solenoid winding 2 I3 and a conductor 2 I 8 leading from the solenoid winding to a trailing brush 2I9 arranged to make contact with one of a plurality of contact segments 229 projecting from the outside ring assembly I94.

Energizing of the solenoid will effect raising of a solenoid plunger 22I so as to condition it for cooperation with a toothed wheel 222 mounted on a shaft 223 journaled on the frame bracket I03. When the solenoid plunger 22I is raised, it will remain in raised position while the solenoid and plunger are moved around with .the spider D until the plunger engages a tooth on the wheel 222 and imparts a step rotary movement to the wheel. Rotation of the wheel 222 is transmitted through the shaft 223, bevel gears 224, a shaft 225, and a sprocket and chain drive 225a to the shaft I92 on which the rejection wheel I0 is mounted. See Figure 1.

The solenoid electrically and functionally associated with each station is physically located six stations behind the particular station in connection with which it functions. The arrangement is such that if the electrolyte at any treating station fails to rise and engage the contact 296, the solenoid plunger at the sixth station behind that treating station will be projected but it will not engage the wheel 222 until after the improperly treated can has had time to be moved off the treating turret B, around with the transfer turret 94, onto the chain 9, and to a position in the plane of the rejection wheel I 9. Thus at the trolysis current must pass.

the solenoid winding 2I3.

'5 and the associated driven parts. .shown, means for so stopping the machine include journals the worm 22 in the drive unit 2|.

time a can is being treated with insufficient electrolyte, the associated solenoid plunger 22! is conditioned to bring about rejection of that can, but the actual operation of the rejecting wheel I is not effected until the can has completed its travel with the treating turret and has been moved up to the rejection station.

It would be possible for the electrolysis circuit to fail due, for example, to a loose connection or broken conductor even though electrolyte has been filled to the proper overflow level in the can and overflow cup I2. Means are provided at each station for detecting any such failure of the electrolysis circuit and for bringing about the rejection of any can which, due to such failure, has not been given the proper treatment. In the 1 form shown, each detecting means includes the relay coil 203 previously referred to and which forms part of the circuit through whichthe elec- If the electrolysis circuit should be broken, the relay coil 203 will be de-energized to bring about closing of a normally open contactor 226 which in turn will bring about the completion of a control circuit through See Figure 13. Beginning with the inside ring assembly I95 this control circuit would include the inside brush I 99, conductors 200, 2I5 and 221, the closed contactor 226, the conductor 2H, the solenoid winding 2 l3,

the conductor 2I8, the trailing brush H9, and a segment 220 projecting from the outside ring I94.

Thus the associated solenoid plunger 22I would 'be raised into position for delayed cooperation with the wheel 222 to operate the rejection wheel ID in the manner previously described.

It has been found undesirable for the trailing brush 2 I 9 to make direct contact with the extend- 'for being contacted at intervals by the trailing brush 2I9.

It will be understood that the plunger 22l coacts with the wheel 222 in the same manner irrespective of whether it was raised because of an insufficient charge of electrolyte or because of breaking of the electrolysis circuit in some other way. After a raised plunger 22! is moved beyond the wheel 222, it will engage a cam 228 fixed to the frame A so as to be pushed back down to its lower position.

Any suitable means may be provided for cutting oil the motor I5 to stop the machine in the event of abnormal resistance to rotation of the shaft In the form a spring 229 interposed between an adjustable abutment 23B and one thrust bearing I9 which The spring 229 is under compression so as normally to oppose the thrust of the worm 22 and maintain the latter in the position shown in Figure '7. In the event of an abnormal load due, for example, to jamming of the machine, a'higher than normal thrust would be exerted upon the worm 22 causing it to be moved axially against the yieldable spring 229. Axial movement of the shaft I8 and pulley H together With the worm 22 will cause the pulley to rock a lever 23I and effectoperation of a micro-switch 232 arranged in any desired manner to break the circuit to the motor I5.

The machine for treating cans and for cooling and supplying the electrolyte is operated by four motors, viz. the motor 186 driving the generator I I38, the machine motor l5 and two motors for driving the pumps 159 and I68 respectively. The motors, the means for establishing the electrolysis circuit and the detector controls are all connected in a control circuit shown diagrammatically in Figure 13. The operation of the motors is controlled from starters and a control relay located in a central cabinet in turn controlled by start-stop push button stations and a selector switch. The electrical controls are so arranged that the machine may be operated selectively under either an automatic cycle during normal running of the machine or a manual cycle for test and set up purposes.

With the selector switch in the automatic position it is necessary that the generator be operating before the pumps can operate. Operation of the motor generator starter causes the pumps I59 and I68 to be started by means of an additional normally open interlock contact. With the motor generator IB6I88 and the pumps I59 and IE3 operating, it is possible to commence operation of the machine motor I5 providing the clutch overload limit switch control circuit is closed. The machine motor I5 may be started and stopped from its own start and stop bases.

An additional normally open interlock on the supply pump starter is in series with the machine motor control and is so interlocked that the supply pump I59 and the generator I88 must be running before it is possible to operate the machine motor I5. The discharge circulating pump I68 is started and stopped by means of a L high and low level float switch 233 on the sump tank. See Figure 13. This control circuit is energized by means of a normally open relay which in turn is energized by the CR relay or the push button in the cover of the cabinet.

The overload relays on all four motor starters are connected in series in the common control line so that tripping of any overloads in the com-- mon control line will automatically shut down the entire equipment. The motors all operate on 440 volts, 3phase, 60 cycle, but the control circuit of the motor starters and push button units are supplied with current at volts taken from the control circuit transformer.

Prior to placing the apparatus in continuous operation it may be desirable to operate it under the manual cycle for test or set up purposes. ,To effect such operation, the selector switch is turned from automatic position to manual position causing the control relay OR to operate.

The relayCR has three normally open and two normally closed contacts. The two normally closed contacts which were in the two pump motor for starting of the pumps by means of their own start and stop stations. The pump starters have their own circuit interlocks which make for three wire control of the pump motors. One of the normally open contacts on the control relay CR establishes a circuit from the master stop station to the control circuit for the pumps as well as the machine motor I5. Thus even though the motor generator I86-I8B is not operating, it is possible to start any or all of the three units by their own separate start and stop stations.

. Another of the normally open poles of the relay OR. is used to bridge the interlock circuits so that the machine motor may be started irrespective of whether the pump is operating or not. The fifth and last contact which is normally-open on the relay OR is employed for energizing two pilot lights, one of which is located in the control station at the operator's point and the other of which is located at the top of the control cabinet itself. The latter pilot light preferably is red and is for notifying the operator that the panel is set up for a manual operating cycle.

In the door of the A. C. control cabinet are three sets of start and stop stations which are intended for operating the motor generator set and pumps for manual operation.

In a control station mounted at the operators position at the machine is a control station consisting of a manual or automatic position selector switch for cycle selection, a pilot light to indicate to the operator when the manual cycle has been selected, a start button, and a stop button for control of the machine motor H5. The control station also includes an inch-run selector switch by which the machine motor control may be set up for inching purposes. Also provided is a master stop button with a mushroom cap which when operated will shut down the entire machine. A keyed switch in the control circuit for the machine motor l5 provides for locking the machine against being started by any unauthorized person.

The control panel has in addition to the parts and control devices referred to a main disconnect switch, a three pole fuse block for use on small motors, a two pole fuse block for protecting the control circuit, and a control circuit transformer,

Before starting operation, the Inch-Run arid Auto-Hand switches on the control station 234 should be at the Run and Auto posit-ions respectively. If the Auto-Hand switch is at the Hand position, one red light will show on the cover of the control station 234 and on top of the A. C. control panel. See Figure 1. In the cover of the A. C. control panel 235 there are three sets of start-stop buttons, one set being for the motor generator and one set each for the pumps. The start button for the motor generator is then pushed. Then the handle on the rheostat 236 on the control panel is turned to the right or left as required to bring the voltage to 55. After the treating section of the machine has a can at each station the voltage should be rechecked and such adjustments made as may be necessary to bring the voltage to 55.

With the motor generator running and the voltage set at 55 as described above, the wash water valve I18 should be opened and the D. C. switch it! should be closed. It then will be possible to start the machine by pushing the start button on the control station 234.

The apparatus described and claimed herein embodies the invention in the form now preferred, but it will be understood that changes may be made without departing from the invention defined in the claims,

We claim:

1. In a machine of the character described, a frame, a turret rotatable thereon, a plurality of can supports circumferen-tially spaced around said turret, means mounting said supports for vertical movements on said turret, a plurality of open bottom overflow cups, means mounting said overflow cups respectively above said can supports to move around with said supports and to move vertically toward and away from said supports, a plurality of measuring containers mounted respectively above said overflow cups, valves for control-ling communication between said measuring containers and their respectively associated overflow cups, a plurality of electrodes mounted for vertical movements respectively above said overflow cups, cam means on said frame, cam follower means associated with said can supports, said valves and said electrodes for cooperation with said cams during rotation of said turret for raising the can supports to bring the open ends. of cans supported thereon into sealing engagement with the associated overflow cups, opening said valves to discharge electrolyte from said measuring containers into said overflow cups and said cans, and moving said electrodes down into the electrolyte in said cans, and means for establishing an electric circuit through said electrodes, said cans, and the electrolyte therein.

2. In a machine of the character described, a vertical shaft, a treating turret fixed to said shaft, means for feeding cans to circumferentially spaced stations on said treating turret, a member fixed to said shaft above said treating turret, a plurality of measuring containers carried by said member and positioned respectively to discharge electrolyte into cans at said turret stations, means for delivering electrolyte into said containers, valves respectively controlling the discharge of fluid from said containers, a plurality of electrodes movably mounted on said member respectively above said turret stations, a fixed cam, cam follower means engageable with said cam for opening said valves to permit discharge of fluid into the cans and to then effect closing, of the valves after the can treatment, a second fixed cam, cam follower means engageable therewith for moving said electrodes into the cans and then Withdrawing the electrodes after the can treatment, and means for establishing electric circuits through said electrodes, the respectively associated cans, and the electrolyte contained therein.

3. In a machine of the character described, means for feeding cans to be treated and delivering treated cans at .a discharge point, means for applying and maintaining electrolyte in contact with the inside surfaces of the cans being fed, electrode means, means for effecting relative movement of the cans and said electrode means to position the electrodes in the electrolyte, means operable when each can is at an intermediate point of its feeding movement for establishing an electric circuit through said electrode means, the can being treated, and the contained electrolyte, a rej'ector device for displacing cans from said feeding means at a point removed from the point at which treatment is effect-ed, normally inoperative means for actuating said rejector device, detector means responsive to failure of said electric circuit to be closed through any given can being treated for conditioning said actuating means to operate said rejector device, and means timed with respect to can feeding for bringing said actuating means into operation to actuate said rejector device and displace said any given can from the feeding means.

4. In a machine of the character described, a supporting frame, a turret mounted therein for rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of can treating units circumferentially spaced around said turret, each unit including a can support mounted for vertical movement on said turret, an overflow cup mounted above the can support for limited vertical movement toward and away from the support, a measuring container mounted on said turret above said overflow cup, a valve for controlling communication between the measuring container and the associated overflow cup, an electrode mounted for vertical movement above the overflow cup, cam means on said frame and cam followers associated with the cam support and the electrode for cooperation with said cams during the rotation of the turret for raising the can support to bring the open end of the can supported thereon into sealing engagement with the associated overflow cup, for operating said valve to discharge electrolyte from the measuring container into the overflow cup and the can and for moving the electrode into the electrolyte in the can, and means for establishing an electric current through the electrode, the can and the electrolyte therein.

5. In a machine of the character described, a supporting frame, a turret mounted therein for rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of can treating units circumferentially spaced around said turret, each unit including a can support mounted for vertical movement on said turret, an overflow cup mounted above the can support for limited vertical movement toward and away from the support, said overflow cup havin a sealing gasket attached to the under face thereof adapted to be contacted with by the open end of the can, means for raising the can support controlled by the rotation of the turret for causing the can to engage said cup and raise the cup after making sealing contact therewith, a measuring container mounted on the turret above said loverflow cup, a valve for controlling communication between the measuring container and the overflow cup, said valve being operated by the raising of the overflow cup, an electrode mounted for vertical movement above the overflow cup, and means operated by the rotation of the turret for moving the electrode into and out of the container, and means for establishing an electric circuit through the electrode, the can and an electrolyte therein.

6. In a machine of the character described, a supporting frame, a turret mounted therein for rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of can treating units circumferentially spaced around said turret, each unit including a can support mounted for vertical movement on said turret, an overflow cup mounted above the can support for limited vertical movement toward and away from the support, a spring for moving said cup to its lower limited position, means operated durin the rotation of the turret for raising the can support for causing a can mounted thereon to make sealed contact with the lower face of the overflow cup and raise said cup, a measuring container mounted on said turret above said overflow cup, a valve for controlling communication between the measuring container and the associated overflow cup, said valve being operated by the raising of the overflow cup, means operated during the rotation of the turret for supplying the measuring container with an electrolyte which is discharged when the valve is open into the can and overflow cup, an electrode mounted for vertical movement above the overflow cup, means operated during the rotation of the turret for moving the electrode into and out of the electrolyte, and means for establishing electric circuit through the electrode, the can and the electrolyte therein.

7. In a machine of the character described, a supporting frame, a turret mounted therein for rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of can treating units circumferentially spaced around said turret, each unit including a can support mounted for vertical movement on the turret, an overflow cup mounted above the support, a measuring container mounted on the turret above the overflow cup, a valve for controlling communication between the measuring container and the associated overflow cup, an electrode mounted for vertical movement above the overflow cup, cam means on the frame and cam followers associated with the can support and the electrode for cooperation with said cams during the rotation of the turret for raising the can support to bring the can into sealing engagement with the overflow cup for operating the valve to discharge the electrolyte from the measuring container into the overflow cup and for moving the electrode into the electrolyte in the can, and means for establishing and maintaining efiective for a predetermined time electric circuit through the electrode, the electrolyte and the can, and for then reversing the polarity of the circuit and maintaining the circuit effective with reverse polarity for a predetermined time.

PAUL E. PEARSON. ALFRED TREFF.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 736,669 Zoeller Aug, 18, 1903 864,131 Hood Aug. 20, 1907 1,139,070 Phelps May 11, 1915 1,159,598 Miller Nov. 9, 1915 1,216,494 Rassman Feb. 20, 1917 1,733,404 Fahrenwald Oct. 29, 1929 1,772,074 Engelhardt Aug. 5, 1930 1,837,605 Baker Dec. 22, 1931 1,904,432 Fink Apr. 18, 1933 2,071,006 Urschel Feb. 16, 1937 2,148,552 Hannon Feb. 28, 1939 2,206,908 Lunt July 9, 1940 2,216,167 Fisher Oct. 1, 1940 2,280,826 Hothersall Apr. 28, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 455,810 Great Britain Oct. 28, 1936 OTHER REFERENCES In re Allatt, 121 F (2nd) 1941 Commissioner's Decisions, pages 751757. 

